Overboot

ABSTRACT

This invention provides an overboot consists of an upper portion made of fabric and a lower portion, or sole, which is made of a rugged flexible material such as rubber or thermoelastomer. The upper portion has a front, a back, an inside, an outside, and an interior. The upper portion has an opening to allow a foot of a user wearing a shoe or ski boot to enter the interior. In one embodiment, the opening of the upper portion may have a means of closure. The rear of the overboot opens in order to ease the insertion of the foot of the user. The rear opening may consist of either one or two vertical slits.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to provisional application No.61/351,420 filed on Jun. 4^(th), 2010 the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND/FIELD

This invention relates to footwear. More specifically, the inventionrelates to an overboot that is adjustable.

Alpine ski boots typically have hard plastic soles and attach to thebinding at both toe and heel using bindings, which makes them slipperyfor use as footwear, when not attached to skis. This may lead to theuser falling and getting injured or inconvenienced. Also, the sole andbottom binding plate of the ski boot may be damaged from walking acrosspavement or gravel, which over time may lead to the boots no longerfitting into the bindings properly. Additionally, ski boots are hard andcovered in protrusions which can cause damage to car upholstery orcarpeting. In addition, ski boots are heavy and are difficult to carrywhen not in use, usually requiring a large bag.

Boots for other winter sports, such as snowboarding, snowshoeing,skeleton, bobsledding encounter similar issues as those of ski boots.

Furthermore, other types of footwear, including but not limited to,dress shoes and sneakers, are not designed to withstand the elements andare not suitable for walking in the snow or rain, as they do not providesufficient protection or traction and may be damaged by contact withwater.

Solutions exist for ski boots which provide enhanced traction andwalking ability, but they tend to be difficult to put on, do not provideprotection for the ski boot other than the sole, do not make the skiboot easier to carry, and do not help to store the ski boot. Solutionsexist for normal footwear, but they typically are difficult to put on,requiring the user to push the foot into a flexible rubberized overboot,which may or may not contain straps or buckles, and do not provide asecure, adjustable fit. Thus, the overboot is either too loose or tootight. If the boot is too loose, this allows the shoe inside theoverboot to move around relative to the overboot, and thus impairs surefooting, which may lead to falls. If the boot is too tight, it is verydifficult to get on and then is uncomfortable.

Currently, there are no overboots designed for the disabled skier, thosewith knee and/or foot problems, and/or that are easy for children touse.

SUMMARY

An overboot is disclosed herein comprising an upper portion, the upperportion having a front, a rear, an inside, an outside, an interior, anda toe portion, wherein the upper portion is made substantially of anelastic or inelastic material and the interior volume defined by theupper portion shaped to compliantly engage a shoe or boot, wherein theupper portion having an opening to allow a foot wearing a shoe or a skiboot to enter the interior, wherein the rear of the upper portion iscapable of forming an opening in order to ease the insertion of a footof a user, wherein the rear opening has a closure means; a lowerportion, the lower portion forming a heel and a sole, the lower portionbeing made of a rugged flexible material.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, an overbootfurther comprises an upper portion that approximates a ring, with thering having an adjustable-length pull-cord disposed therewithin suchthat constriction of the length of the pull-cord similarly constrictsthe diameter of the ring.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, an overbootfurther comprises, the closure means is a flap that extends downwardlyfrom a top portion of the rear of the overboot that folds over to coverthe rear opening, wherein the flap is secured to the circumference ofthe rear opening by a first fastening means selected from the groupconsisting of snaps, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, ties, and acombination thereof.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, an overbootfurther comprises the closure means being a pull string with a cinchdevice.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, an overbootfurther comprises the rear opening has at least one vertical slit, thevertical slit having an interior, the interior having a first side and asecond side.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the verticalslit has a closure means selected from the group consisting of zippers,snaps, ties, hook & loop fasteners, and a combination thereof.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the verticalslit has a membrane connecting the first side and the second side of theinterior.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the membraneis made of an elastic or inelastic, waterproof material, wherein themembrane allows the vertical slit to keep water from entering theinterior of the overboot.

The overboot of claim 1 wherein the heel or the toe portion has a strap.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the sole hasa plurality of protrusions extending downward therefrom for providingtraction.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the frontand rear portions of the profile of the sole are substantially arcuate,thereby defining a rocker sole.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, there is anattachment means on the inside of the upper portion of the near the topopening for accepting a strap to connect more than one overboot toanother.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, there areadjustable straps are secured at a first end and pass through a loop ora plastic ring placed at an opposing end and return along the length ofthe strap to be releasably fixed by a second fastening means.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the loop orthe plastic ring is sewn to the fabric of the upper portion or issecured to a portion of the sole which is positioned on a side of theoverboot.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, theadjustable straps are made of an elastic or inelastic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsdescribe substantially similar components throughout the several views.The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way oflimitation, various embodiments discussed in the claims of the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 shows a rear-left perspective view of a first embodiment of anoverboot.

FIG. 2 shows a right-hand elevation view thereof.

FIG. 3 shows a left-hand elevation view thereof.

FIG. 4 shows a front view thereof.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view thereof.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 7 shows a top view thereof.

FIG. 8 shows a rear-left perspective view thereof in an ‘open’configuration.

FIG. 9 shows a rear-left perspective view of a second embodiment of anoverboot.

FIG. 10 shows a right-hand elevation view thereof.

FIG. 11 shows a left-hand elevation view thereof.

FIG. 12 shows a front view thereof.

FIG. 13 shows a rear view thereof.

FIG. 14 shows a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 15 shows a top view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed apparatus will now bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein likereference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

Referring generally, to FIGS. 1 to 15, there are provided several of theembodiments of an overboot as defined by the appended claims. Theoverboot consists of an upper portion made of fabric and a lowerportion, or sole, which is made of a rugged flexible material such asrubber or thermoelastomer. The upper portion has a front, a back, aninside, an outside, an interior, and a toe portion.

The upper portion has an opening to allow a foot of a user wearing ashoe or ski boot to enter the interior. In one embodiment, the openingof the upper portion may have a means of closure. The means of closuremay be a pull string with a cinch device. In an alternative embodiment,the means of closure may be a flap extending from the top of the rear ofthe overboot which folds over to cover the opening. The flap may besecured to the circumference of the opening of the upper portion by afastening means, such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, orties. The flap may possess a pocket on the underside for storage of ashoulder strap or other items, such as foot warmers. The upper portionof the device may consist partially or entirely of an elastic material,such as Neoprene® so that the device more snugly fits the user.

The rear of the overboot opens in order to ease the insertion of thefoot of the user. In one embodiment, the rear opening has one verticalslits. In another embodiment, the rear opening may have two verticalslits. The slits may be closed with zippers, snaps, ties, or hook andloop fasteners. In an embodiment having two slits being closed withzippers, the zipper pulls may be connected via a strap. The slit(s) mayhave a membrane connecting either side of the interior of the slit. Thismembrane may be made of either an elastic or inelastic, waterproofmaterial, that allow the closed slits to keep water from entering theinterior of the upper portion of the overboot, while still allowing theoverboot to easily receive a ski boot.

The heel and/or toe of the overboot may have a strap for helping to pullthe overboot onto the ski boot. The overboot may have one or moreadjustable straps that reach from the rear or bottom of the overbootaround the calf or over the foot for helping adjust the snugness of theoverboot in order to ensure a secure fit. The straps may be secured atone end and pass through a loop or plastic ring placed at the other end,and return along the length of the strap to be releasably fixed by meansof a hook and loop fastener, or a buckle. The straps may be secured torings which are sewn to the fabric of the overboot, or they may besecured to a portion of the sole which comes up the side of the device.The straps may be of an elastic or inelastic material.

The sole of the overboot may be adhered via sonic welding, glue, orstitching. The sole of the device may have protrusions for providingtraction. The front portion and rear portion of the sole may beconnected via a middle portion which is designed by its geometry, or byvirtue of the characteristics of the material, to have the ability tostretch in order to ensure a snug fit of the overboot. The sole may beinjection molded or it may be die cut. It may be one piece, laminated,or comprised of several components. In one embodiment, the sole of theoverboot is a rocker sole, rather than a flat sole. The rocker sole hasa front to rear arch, with the interior of the sole being thicker andtapering at the ends. The rocker sole corrects the user's gait whilewalking. The rocker sole is firm and cushioned, reduces fatigue, andreduces the possibility of the user falling.

Rocker sole shoes have long been known for their therapeutic benefits.They can protect the heels and the balls of the feet from repetitiveimpact with concrete and hard surfaces. They can be helpful for thosesuffering from heel and arch pain. They can also be helpful for thosesuffering from arthritis in the big toe joint. They promote good postureand can improve circulation. Rocker soles tend to engage core musclesand can improve sense of joint position.

The overboot may include a ring or other method of attachment on theinside of the overboot near the top opening for accepting a strap whichconnects two of the overboots for carrying. The strap may be adjustable.

A method of using an overboot will now be described. First, an overbootis provided in a first condition, for instance as shown in FIG. 1 withthe back of the upper portion in a closed state. Next, the wearer graspsthe loop at the back of the overboot and translates it caudally, therebyarranging the overboot in a second configuration as shown for instancein FIG. 8. Next, the wearer inserts their ski-booted foot into theappropriate right or left overboot such that the ski-boot issubstantially surrounded by the overboot. Next, the user grasps the loopat the back of the overboot and translates the cephallically, therebyreturning the overboot to its first, ‘closed’ configuration, as shown inFIG. 1. In the ‘closed’ configuration, the user may comfortably walk inthe overboot.

Although in the preceding sections, the subject of the presentdisclosure has referred to being shaped to accommodate a ski-boot. Thereare further embodiments within the scope of the appended claims that areshaped to accommodate other footwear including for instance, work boots,sneakers, dress shoes, and the like.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

1. An overboot comprising: an upper portion, the upper portion having afront, a rear, an inside, an outside, an interior, and a toe portion,wherein the upper portion is made substantially of an elastic materialand the interior volume defined by the upper portion is sized and shapedto compliantly engage a shoe or boot, wherein the upper portion havingan opening to allow a foot wearing a shoe or a ski boot to enter theinterior, wherein the rear of the upper portion is capable of forming anopening in order to ease the insertion of a foot of a user, wherein therear opening has a closure means; a lower portion, the lower portionforming a heel and a sole, the lower portion being made of a ruggedflexible material.
 2. The overboot of claim 1 wherein the cross-sectionof the upper portion approximates a ring, with the ring having anadjustable-length pull-cord disposed therewithin such that constrictionof the length of the pull-cord similarly constricts the diameter of thering.
 3. The overboot of claim 1 wherein the closure means is a flapthat extends downwardly from a top portion of the rear of the overbootthat folds over to cover the rear opening, wherein the flap is securedto the circumference of the rear opening by a first fastening meansselected from the group consisting of snaps, hook and loop fasteners,zippers, ties, and a combination thereof.
 4. The overboot of claim 1wherein the closure means is a pull string with a cinch device.
 5. Theoverboot of claim 1 wherein the rear opening has at least one verticalslit, the vertical slit having an interior, the interior having a firstside and a second side.
 6. The overboot of claim 5 wherein the verticalslit has a closure means selected from the group consisting of zippers,snaps, ties, hook & loop fasteners, and a combination thereof.
 7. Theoverboot of claim 5 wherein the vertical slit has a membrane connectingthe first side and the second side of the interior.
 8. The overboot ofclaim 7 wherein the membrane is made of an elastic or inelastic,waterproof material, wherein the membrane allows the vertical slit tokeep water from entering the interior of the overboot.
 9. The overbootof claim 1 wherein the heel or the toe portion has a strap.
 10. Theoverboot of claim 1 wherein the sole has a plurality of protrusionsextending downward therefrom for providing traction.
 11. The overboot ofclaim 1 wherein the front and rear portions of the profile of the soleare substantially arcuate, thereby defining a rocker sole.
 12. Theoverboot of claim 1 further comprising an attachment means on the insideof the upper portion of the near the top opening for accepting a strapto connect more than one overboot to another.
 13. An overbootcomprising: an upper portion, the upper portion having a front, a rear,an inside, an outside, and an interior, wherein the upper portion ismade substantially of an elastic or inelastic material, wherein theupper portion having an opening to allow a foot wearing a shoe or a skiboot to enter the interior, wherein the rear of the upper portion iscapable of forming an opening in order to ease the insertion of a footof a user, wherein the opening has a closure means; a lower portion, thelower portion forming a heel and a sole, the lower portion being made ofa rugged flexible material; and one or more adjustable straps, thestraps being positioned to reach from the rear of the overboot around acalf or over a foot to ensure a secure fit, and there is a loop ofinelastic material extending upward from the rear of the lower portionconfigured to be grasped by the hand of a wearer.
 14. The overboot ofclaim 1 wherein the adjustable straps are secured at a first end andpass through a loop or a plastic ring placed at an opposing end andreturn along the length of the strap to be releasably fixed by a secondfastening means.
 15. The overboot of claim 10 wherein the secondfastening means is a hook and loop fastener or a buckle.
 16. Theoverboot of claim 10 wherein the loop or the plastic ring is sewn to thefabric of the upper portion or is secured to a portion of the sole whichis positioned on a side of the overboot.
 17. The overboot of claim 1wherein the adjustable straps are made of an elastic or inelasticmaterial.
 18. An overboot comprising: an upper portion, the upperportion having a front, a rear, an inside, an outside, and an interior,wherein the upper portion is made substantially of an elastic orinelastic material, wherein the upper portion having an opening to allowa foot wearing a shoe or a ski boot to enter the interior, wherein therear of the upper portion is capable of forming an opening in order toease the insertion of a foot of a user, wherein the opening has aclosure means; a lower portion, the lower portion forming a heel and asole, the lower portion being made of a rugged flexible material, thesole being a rocker sole; and one or more adjustable straps, the strapsbeing positioned to reach from the rear of the overboot around a calf orover a foot to ensure a secure fit.
 19. The overboot of claim 18 thereis a loop of inelastic material extending upward from the rear of thelower portion configured to be grasped by the hand of a wearer.
 20. Theoverboot of claim 18 wherein the cross-section of the upper portionapproximates a ring, with the ring having an adjustable-length pull-corddisposed therewithin such that constriction of the length of thepull-cord similarly constricts the diameter of the ring.